controller

Abstract

The present invention increases operability of a tiltable operating member. Provided is a controller comprising: a housing having an opening; an input device having a movable member passing through the opening toward a housing interior in a first direction; and a contact area provided in the interior of the housing. The movable member is configured to be capable of being pressed downward and being tilted about an axis in the first direction. When the movable member is tilted, the movable member contacts the contact area and further tilting is consequently restricted. The contact area is inclined to face the movable member with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller having a tiltable movable member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, controllers provided with a tiltable operation member exist. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when the operation member is tilted, the tilting of the operation member is restricted by bringing the operation member into contact with a component provided inside a housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the structure of controllers provided with a tiltable operation member. As an example, there is room for improvement in order to improve the operability of an operation member that is configured to be tiltable and also depressible.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller that improves the operability of a tiltable operation member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configurations.

[0007] (First Configuration) The first configuration controller comprises a housing having an opening on the front, an input device having a movable member that penetrates the opening from the front side toward the interior of the housing in a first direction, is pressable, and is tiltable with respect to an axis in the first direction, and a contact region provided inside the housing that contacts the movable member when it is tilted to limit further tilting. The contact region is inclined to face the movable member with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] According to the above, the movable member is configured to be tiltable and pressable with respect to the axis in the first direction. When the movable member is tilted, it comes into contact with a contact area provided inside the housing, thereby limiting further tilting of the movable member. The contact area is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction so as to face the movable member. Even when the movable member is tilted and in contact with the contact area, it can be easily pressed down, thereby improving operability.

[0009] (Second structure) In the second configuration, the first configuration may include a first member having the contact area on its surface and a second member having a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed. With respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the inclination angle of the mounting area may be smaller than the inclination angle of the contact area.

[0010] According to the above, by making the first member having the contact area and the second member separate members, for example, the materials of the first member and the second member can be different, and a preferred material can be selected for the contact area where the movable member makes contact. Since the inclination angle of the second member is smaller than that of the contact area, the first member can be easily placed on the second member and less likely to shift position.

[0011] (The third structure) In the third configuration, the aforementioned mounting area may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the first direction in the second configuration.

[0012] According to the above, the first member can be easily placed on the second member and less prone to misalignment.

[0013] (Fourth structure) In the fourth configuration, any of the first to third configurations may include a first member having the contact area on its surface and a second member having a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed. The portion of the first member having the contact area may be thicker as it moves away from the movable member.

[0014] According to the above, by making the first member having the contact area and the second member separate members, for example, by using different materials for the first member and the second member, a preferred material can be selected for the contact area that the movable member contacts. Furthermore, by making the portion of the first member having the contact area thicker as it moves away from the movable member, it becomes easier to incline the contact area so that it faces the movable member side with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] (Fifth component) In the fifth configuration, the first configuration may include a first member having the contact area on its surface and a second member having a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed. The mounting area may include a first mounting area provided on the movable member side and a second mounting area provided on the side further away from the movable member than the first mounting area. With respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the inclination angle of the first mounting area may be smaller than the inclination angle of the second mounting area.

[0016] According to the above, by making the first member having the contact area and the second member separate members, for example, the materials of the first member and the second member can be different, and a preferred material can be selected for the contact area that the movable member contacts. Also, for example, by having a first mounting area with a small inclination angle and a second mounting area with a large inclination angle, it becomes easier to place the first member on the second member, and it becomes easier to press down on the movable member even when the movable member is tilted.

[0017] (The sixth component) In the sixth configuration, in the fifth configuration described above, the first member may be bonded to the second member in the first placement region.

[0018] According to the above, since the first member is bonded to the second member in the first placement region with a small inclination angle, the first member can be easily bonded to the second member.

[0019] (Seventh configuration) In the seventh configuration, in the fifth or sixth configuration described above, the first placement region may be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] According to the above, the first member can be easily placed on the second member.

[0021] (Eighth configuration) In the eighth configuration, in any of the fifth to seventh configurations described above, the first member may have the contact region on the surface of the portion placed in the second placement region.

[0022] According to the above, since the contact region is provided on the side of the surface of the first member that faces away from the movable member, the movable member can be easily pressed even when the movable member is tilted.

[0023] (Ninth configuration) In the ninth configuration, in any of the first to eighth configurations described above, a frame to which the input device is fixed may be provided inside the housing. The frame or a member fixed to the frame may have the contact region.

[0024] According to the above, since the input device is fixed to the frame and the frame or the member fixed to the frame has the contact region, the influence of tolerances of each component and during assembly can be suppressed.

[0025] (Tenth configuration) In the tenth configuration, the frame has an opening, and the input device may be fixed to the back surface of the frame such that the movable member passes through the opening in the frame.

[0026] As described above, since the movable member is fixed to the back surface of the frame and is provided to pass through the opening in the frame, the distance between the movable member and the contact area can be reduced, and the movable member can come into contact with the contact area when tilted.

[0027] (Structure of the 11th) In the 11th configuration, the input device may be fastened to the back surface of the frame by fastening members, as in the 10th configuration described above.

[0028] As described above, since the input device is fastened to the back surface of the frame by fastening members, the fastening members can be prevented from interfering with the movable member when the movable member is tilted.

[0029] (The 12th composition) In the 12th configuration, in any of the first to 11 configurations described above, the movable member may include a first component having an operating surface operated by the user and an insertion opening on the opposite side of the operating surface, and a second component having an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion opening. One of the insertion portion and the insertion opening may have a projection, and the other may have a hole into which the projection is inserted.

[0030] According to the above, the movable member can be fixed to the insertion part, and the movable member can be made less likely to come out of the insertion part.

[0031] (The 13th composition) In the 13th configuration, in the 12th configuration described above, the insertion opening has the hole, and the hole may be formed to extend in a direction away from the movable member as it moves toward the first direction.

[0032] According to the above, even if the movable member is pushed in when it is tilted, it is possible to make it difficult for the movable member to come out of the insertion part.

[0033] (The 14th composition) In the 14th configuration, in any of the first to 13 configurations described above, the movable member may have a shaft portion and a projection portion that protrudes from the shaft portion. The projection portion may protrude in a direction away from the shaft portion within the housing and be configured to contact the contact area when the movable member is tilted.

[0034] According to the above, the tilting of the movable member can be limited by bringing the protruding portion of the movable member into contact with the contact area.

[0035] (The 15th structure) In the 15th configuration, the 14th configuration may be configured such that it extends in a direction away from the shaft portion as it moves toward the first direction.

[0036] According to the above, when the movable member is tilted, it is possible to easily bring the protruding part of the movable member into contact with the contact area inside the housing.

[0037] (Composition of the 16th) In the 16th configuration, the protruding portion may be formed in an umbrella shape in the 14th or 15th configuration described above.

[0038] According to the above, the tilting of the movable member can be limited by bringing the umbrella-shaped protrusion into contact with the contact area.

[0039] (Composition of the 17th) In the 17th configuration, in any of the 2nd to 6th configurations described above, the second member may be a frame provided inside the housing to which the input device is fixed.

[0040] According to the above, the input device is fixed to a frame provided inside the housing, and the frame has a contact area. This makes it possible to limit the tilting of the movable member of the input device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily push in the movable member even when the movable member is tilted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] Front view of Controller 1 [Figure 2] Right side view of Controller 1 [Figure 3A] Perspective view of the operating member 40 [Figure 3B] Side view of the operating member 40 [Figure 3C] Rear view of the operating component 40 [Figure 3D] Cross-sectional view of operating member 40 along line AA [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the stick module 10. [Figure 5A] Schematic diagram of the stick module 10 when the lever 130 is not pressed in the positive z-axis direction. [Figure 5B] Schematic diagram of the stick module 10 with lever 130 pushed in the positive z-axis direction. [Figure 5C] Schematic diagram of the stick module 10 when the lever 130 is tilted in the negative x-axis direction and pushed in the positive z-axis direction. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the frame 80 located inside the housing 6 of the controller 1, as seen from the front. [Figure 7] End view of the cross-section when controller 1, including analog stick 4, is cut by a plane parallel to the xz plane. [Figure 8] End view of the cross-section when the controller 1 is cut by a plane parallel to the xz plane when the operating member 40 is tilted. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the movement of each part when the operating member 40 is pushed in while the operating member 40 is tilted. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing the movement of each part when the operating member 40 is pressed in with the operating member 40 tilted, in the case where the sheet 85 is not placed on the mounting surface 83. [Figure 11]Cross-section end view of controller 1 in the second embodiment [Figure 12] An enlarged view of a portion of Figure 11 when the operating member 40 is tilted to the right. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Hereinafter, a controller 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The controller 1 of this embodiment is connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to, for example, a game device (not shown), and is used to operate games played on the game device. The game device to which the controller 1 is connected may be a portable game device or a stationary game device. Furthermore, the controller 1 is not limited to a game device, but may be connected to any information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal, and used to operate games played using the information processing device. Moreover, the controller 1 may be used not only for game operation but also for operation of the information processing device.

[0044] Figure 1 is an example of a front view of controller 1. Figure 2 is an example of a right side view of controller 1. The xyz coordinate system in Figures 1 and 2 is a coordinate system based on controller 1, with the z-axis direction being the direction from the front to the back of controller 1 (for example, the direction in which button 2 is pressed). The plane perpendicular to this z-axis direction is defined as the xy-plane, with the direction to the right of the front of controller 1 (for example, the direction from button A to button B) defined as the x-axis direction, and the direction upward of the front of controller 1 defined as the y-axis direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the controller 1 includes a housing 6. The housing 6 is composed of, for example, a front housing member that forms the front side of the controller 1 and a back housing member that forms the back side of the controller 1. The housing 6 may be made of, for example, plastic. The housing 6 may be made of, for example, ABS resin, polycarbonate ABS resin, acrylic ABS resin, etc., or it may be made of a polymer alloy that includes at least two of these materials and other materials.

[0046] The front of the housing 6 has an opening 8 to expose the keycaps of the analog stick 4. Additionally, the front of the housing 6 has openings to expose each of the multiple buttons 2.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, two buttons (button A and button B) 2 are provided on the right side of the front of the housing 6. Buttons 2 are configured to be pressable in a direction perpendicular to the front of the housing 6 (in the z-axis direction). The two buttons 2 are used for game operation. Note that the controller 1 may also be provided with multiple other buttons.

[0048] Furthermore, an analog stick 4 is provided in the left-hand region of the front of the housing 6. The analog stick 4 is an example of an input device for directional input and is configured to be tiltable in any direction (any direction parallel to the xy-plane). The analog stick 4 is also configured to be pressable in the positive z-axis direction. Details of the analog stick 4 will be described later. Note that multiple analog sticks 4 may be provided.

[0049] Controller 1 is held and operated by the user with both hands. For example, the analog stick 4 is operated with the left thumb, and button 2 is operated with the right thumb. Controller 1 may also have left and right grips that can be held by the user's left and right hands.

[0050] (Explanation of analog sticks) The analog stick 4 includes an operating member 40, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the housing 6 and operated by the user, and a stick module 10 provided inside the housing 6. The stick module 10 detects the tilt direction (input direction) and also detects when at least the operating member 40 is pressed.

[0051] Figure 3A is an example of a perspective view of the operating member 40. Figure 3B is an example of a side view of the operating member 40. Figure 3C is an example of a rear view of the operating member 40. Figure 3D is an example of a cross-sectional view of the operating member 40 along line AA.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the operating member 40 has a key top 41, a shaft portion 42, and a protruding portion 43. The key top 41 is exposed on the front of the housing 6 and is the part that is mainly touched by the user. As an example, the key top 41 has a circular shape when the controller 1 is viewed from the front. However, it may have other shapes.

[0053] The shaft portion 42 is formed to extend downward from the keytop 41 (in the direction in which button 2 of the controller 1 is pressed; positive z-axis direction). In this embodiment, a portion of the shaft portion 42 is exposed from the housing 6. The shaft portion 42 passes through an opening 9 provided on the front of the housing 6 and extends in a direction toward the interior of the housing 6 from the front of the housing 6.

[0054] A projection 43 is formed on the side surface of the shaft portion 42, projecting away from the shaft portion 42. The projection 43 is formed to extend away from the shaft portion 42 as it extends downward. The projection 43 is, for example, umbrella-shaped. In another example, the projection 43 may be stepped.

[0055] The upper part 42a of the shaft portion 42, which is the portion above the part where the protruding portion 43 protrudes, and the lower part 42b of the shaft, which is the portion below the part where the protruding portion 43 protrudes, may have different external shapes (see Figures 3C and 3D). The external shape of the upper part 42a may be, for example, cylindrical. The external shape of the lower part 42b may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, or it may be formed by four opposing wall portions. The external shapes of the upper part 42a and the lower part 42b may be the same. The inside of the shaft portion 42 is hollow with a rectangular cross-section, and the lower end of the shaft portion 42 (the lower end of the lower part 42b) is open. The shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10 (see Figure 4), which will be described later, is inserted into this opening 45 at the lower end of the shaft portion 42, thereby fixing the operating member 40 to the stick module 10.

[0056] As will be explained in more detail later, the operating member 40 is fixed to the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10, and when input (directional input or push input) is made by the user, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 move. Specifically, when the user makes a directional input in a direction parallel to the xy plane, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 tilt. Also, when the user makes a push input in the z-axis direction, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 move in the z-axis direction. Here, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 that move in response to user input are sometimes referred to as "movable members".

[0057] Of the four walls forming the lower part 42b of the shaft portion 42, two opposing walls each have holes 46 formed in them. The holes 46 are formed to extend in the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. When the operating member 40 is fixed to the stick module 10, the retaining portion 132 of the shaft portion 131, described later, is inserted into the holes 46. This makes it difficult for the operating member 40 to come off the stick module 10. Note that the holes 46 may be provided in each of the four walls. In this case, the shaft portion 131 is provided with retaining portions 132 at positions corresponding to each of the four holes 46. Note that in this embodiment, since the protrusion 43 is located above the holes 46, the holes 46 or the retaining portion 132 that penetrates the holes 46 are difficult to see from the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple ribs 47 are provided on the inner surface of the shaft portion 42. The ribs 47 are provided, for example, on the inner surface of each of the four wall portions that form the lower part of the shaft 42b. The ribs 47 contact the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10 and fix the operating member 40 to the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10.

[0059] (Internal structure of the stick module) Next, the structure of the stick module 10 will be described. Figure 4 shows an example of the internal structure of the stick module 10.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the stick module 10 comprises an actuator 120, a lever 130, a sliding part 140, a pressing part 150, and a bottom surface 160. Note that Figure 4 only shows the structure for detecting input in the y-axis direction, and the structure for detecting input in the x-axis direction is omitted, but a similar actuator, lever, and sliding part can be provided.

[0061] The actuator 120 comprises a shaft portion 121 at the positive x-axis end and a shaft portion 122 at the negative x-axis end. The shaft portions 121 and 122 are supported by the housing 11 of the stick module 10 so as to be rotatable around the x-axis.

[0062] A through-hole 124 is provided in the central part of the actuator 120, extending in the z-axis direction. The through-hole 124 is longer in the x-axis direction than in the y-axis direction. The shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 passes through the through-hole 124 and is exposed from the top of the actuator 120.

[0063] Furthermore, the actuator 120 has axial contact portions 123 in the positive and negative y-axis directions of the through hole 124.

[0064] A drive transmission section 126 extending in the z-axis direction is provided near the shaft portion 121 of the actuator 120. A projection 141 of the slide portion 140 is connected to the z-axis end of the drive transmission section 126. Below the slide portion 140, a resistance layer 162, which is long in the y-axis direction and provided on the bottom surface portion 160, is arranged. A movable electrode (not shown) that contacts the resistance layer 162 is provided at the lower end of the slide portion 140.

[0065] Furthermore, the upper end 151 of the pressing portion 150 is connected to the shaft portion 122 of the actuator 120, and the pressing portion 150 extends in the z-axis direction. Below the lower end 151 of the pressing portion 150, a switch portion 161 is located on the bottom surface portion 160. When not pressed, there is a predetermined gap between the lower end 151 of the pressing portion 150 and the switch portion 161.

[0066] The shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 extends parallel to the z-axis when not being operated by the user, and is configured to be tiltable relative to the z-axis in response to user operation.

[0067] Furthermore, a retaining portion 132 is provided on the side surface of the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130, protruding in the lateral direction. The retaining portion 132 is also provided on the side surface of the shaft portion 131 opposite to the side surface shown in Figure 4. The retaining portion 132 is provided at a position that coincides with the hole 46 of the operating member 40 when the operating member 40 is attached to the shaft portion 131. The retaining portion 132 is formed to protrude in the lateral direction and the z-axis direction, similar to the shape of the hole 46. As a result, when inserting the operating member 40 into the shaft portion 131, the retaining portion 132 is less likely to catch on the hole 46, making insertion easier, and when removing the operating member 40 from the shaft portion 131, the retaining portion 132 catches on the hole 46, making it difficult to remove.

[0068] Furthermore, the lower part of the lever 130 is provided with protrusions 133 on the positive and negative y-axis sides. The actuator 120 is provided with a through hole 125 that penetrates in the y-axis direction, and the protrusions 133 of the lever 130 are inserted into the through hole 125 of the actuator 120. When the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative x-axis direction, the lever 130 rotates around the protrusions 133 as its axis.

[0069] Furthermore, an opening is provided at the lower end of the lever 130 for inserting a spring 170, into which the spring 170 is inserted. The spring 170 biases the lever 130 upward.

[0070] Here, we will describe the operation of each component when the components of the actuator 120 are assembled and the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted.

[0071] For example, when the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative direction of the y-axis, the shaft portion 131 contacts the axial contact portion 123 of the actuator 120, causing the actuator 120 to rotate around a rotation axis along the shaft portions 121 and 122. This rotation of the actuator 120 causes the drive transmission portion 126 to rotate. The projection portion 141 of the slide portion 140 is connected to the z-axis end of the drive transmission portion 126, and the rotation of the drive transmission portion 126 causes the slide portion 140 to slide in the negative or positive direction of the y-axis. As a result, the contact position between the movable electrode provided at the lower end of the slide portion 140 and the resistance layer 162 changes, and the resistance value changes. By detecting this resistance value, it is possible to detect whether there is an input in the positive or negative direction of the y-axis and the amount of that input (tilt). Furthermore, if the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative x-axis direction, the lever 130 will rotate in the positive or negative x-axis direction around the protrusion 133 as its axis, but the shaft portion 131 will not contact the axial contact portion 123 of the actuator 120, and the actuator 120 will not rotate.

[0072] Here, we have described the structure for detecting input in the y-axis direction, but the structure for detecting input in the x-axis direction is the same as above. That is, although not shown in the figures, the stick module 10 comprises a second actuator supported so as to be rotatable around the y-axis, and a second sliding part connected to the second actuator and slidable in the positive or negative x-axis direction. The second actuator has the same shape as actuator 120 and is provided so as to intersect actuator 120. When the shaft portion 131 of lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative x-axis direction, the second actuator rotates around the y-axis, and this rotation of the second actuator causes the second sliding part to slide in the negative or positive x-axis direction. A movable electrode is provided at the lower end of the second sliding part, and as the second sliding part slides, the contact position between this movable electrode and the resistance layer 163 changes, and the resistance value changes. By detecting this change in resistance value, input in the positive or negative x-axis direction is detected.

[0073] In other words, if the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative x-axis direction, only the second actuator rotates, causing the second slide portion to slide in the negative or positive x-axis direction, and an input in the positive or negative x-axis direction is detected. On the other hand, if the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in the positive or negative y-axis direction, only the actuator 120 rotates, causing the slide portion 140 to slide in the negative or positive y-axis direction, and an input in the positive or negative y-axis direction is detected. If the shaft portion 131 of the lever 130 is tilted in both the x-axis and y-axis directions, the actuator 120 and the second actuator rotate, respectively, moving their respective slide portions, and inputs in the x-axis and y-axis directions are detected.

[0074] Next, we will explain how to push in the lever 130. Figure 5A is an example of a schematic diagram of the stick module 10 when the lever 130 is not pushed in the positive z-axis direction. Figure 5B is an example of a schematic diagram of the stick module 10 when the lever 130 is pushed in the positive z-axis direction. Figure 5C is an example of a schematic diagram of the stick module 10 when the lever 130 is tilted in the negative x-axis direction and pushed in the positive z-axis direction.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5A, when the lever 130 is not pushed in the positive z-axis direction, the lever 130 is biased in the negative z-axis direction by the spring 170, and the switch portion 161 is not pressed down by the pressing portion 150. When the lever 130 is pushed in the positive z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 5B, a force in the positive z-axis direction is applied to the lever 130, and this force in the positive z-axis direction is applied to the actuator 120 via the protrusion 133 of the lever 130, causing the lever 130 and the actuator 120 to move in the positive z-axis direction. Specifically, the lever 130 and the actuator 120 rotate in the positive z-axis direction with the shaft portion 121 as the pivot point. Thus, when the lever 130 is pushed in the positive z-axis direction, the shaft portion 131 tilts slightly with respect to the z-axis, but moves approximately in the z-axis direction. As a result, the pressing portion 150 moves in the positive z-axis direction, the pressing portion 150 presses down the switch portion 161, and the press is detected by the switch portion 161. In this state, the spring 170 is compressed, and a restoring force is generated in the negative z-axis direction. When the pushing force on the lever 130 in the positive z-axis direction is removed, this restoring force pushes the lever 130 upward in the negative z-axis direction, returning it to its original state.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, the stick module 10 is configured to allow the lever 130 to be pushed in the z-axis direction while the lever 130 is tilted. When the lever 130 is pushed downward while it is tilted by a predetermined tilt angle, the lever 130 and actuator 120 move downward. Specifically, the lever 130 rotates in the positive z-axis direction with the shaft portion 121 as a pivot point while remaining tilted. As a result, the lever 130 moves in a direction between the z-axis direction and the direction along the shaft portion 131. This causes the pressing portion 150 to move in the z-axis direction even when the lever 130 is tilted, and the switch portion 161 is pressed down by the pressing portion 150.

[0077] (A structure that limits the tilting of the movable member) (First embodiment) Next, we will describe a structure that limits the tilting of the operating member 40 when it is attached to the stick module 10.

[0078] Figure 6 is an example of a perspective view from the front of a frame 80 provided inside the housing 6 of the controller 1. The frame 80 is made of a resin material, and may be made of the same material as the housing 6, for example. The frame 80 is fixed inside the housing 6 such that its surface 84 is parallel to the xy plane and faces in the negative z direction.

[0079] An opening 81 is provided at the position corresponding to the analog stick 4 on the frame 80. A curved wall portion 82 bulging in the negative z-axis direction is formed around the opening 81. The surface of the wall portion 82 is formed in the shape of an umbrella and is shaped to follow the protrusion 43 of the operating member 40 when the operating member 40 is tilted. The surface of the wall portion 82 may have any shape as long as it does not interfere with the protrusion 43. Furthermore, the wall portion 82 bulging in the negative z-axis direction is not required.

[0080] An annular mounting surface 83 is formed around the wall portion 82. The mounting surface 83 is formed parallel to the surface 84 of the frame 80 and parallel to the xy plane. The mounting surface 83 is formed concave with respect to the surrounding surface 84. That is, the mounting surface 83 is located on the z-axis side of the surrounding surface 84. The flexible printed circuit board 90 is mounted on the surface 84. That is, the mounting surface 83 is located on the z-axis side of the flexible printed circuit board 90 mounted on the frame 80. The mounting surface 83 may also be formed convex with respect to the surrounding surface 84. The mounting surface 83 may also be located on the negative z-axis side of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0081] A sheet 85 is placed on the mounting surface 83. The sheet 85 is an example of a member having a contact area on its surface that the protrusion 43 contacts. The sheet 85 is formed in a ring shape. The sheet 85 is made of a material with higher sliding properties and wear resistance than the frame 80. For example, the sheet 85 may be made of rigid urethane foam. Alternatively, silicone, foamed urethane, foamed polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or nylon may be used as the material for the sheet 85. For example, the sheet 85 may be fixed to the mounting surface 83 with an adhesive, adhesive tape, etc., or it may be locked by a locking part provided on the mounting surface 83.

[0082] Furthermore, a flexible printed circuit board 90 is placed on the surface 84 of the frame 80. Specifically, the flexible printed circuit board 90 is placed at positions on the surface 84 of the frame 80 corresponding to the buttons 2. For example, the surface 84 of the frame 80 is provided with a locking portion for securing the flexible printed circuit board 90. Switches 91 are placed on the flexible printed circuit board 90 at positions corresponding to each button 2. The frame 80, including the flexible printed circuit board 90, is installed inside the housing 6, and when a predetermined button is pressed, the button contacts the switch 91, and the pressing of the button is detected.

[0083] Although not shown in the diagram, a circuit board containing various control circuits for controlling the controller 1 is located on the rear side (z-axis side) of the frame 80 inside the housing 6. This circuit board is electrically connected to the stick module 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 90. The control circuits generate operation data corresponding to the operation of each button 2 and analog stick 4 of the controller 1, and transmit this operation data to the game device. The frame 80 may be larger than the circuit board.

[0084] Figure 7 is an example of a cross-sectional end view when the controller 1, including the analog stick 4, is cut by a plane parallel to the xz plane. Note that only a portion of the cross-sectional end view is shown in Figure 7, and only the parts necessary for explanation are shown.

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, the stick module 10 is mounted from the back side of the frame 80 such that the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10 passes through the opening 81 of the frame 80. The wall portion 82 is formed to bulge in the negative z-axis direction. This creates a space on the back side of the wall portion 82, in which a part of the housing of the stick module 10 is housed. The shaft portion 131 is exposed from the upper end of the housing 11 of the stick module 10. The upper end of the housing 11 of the stick module 10 is located on the negative z-axis side of the mounting surface 83, and the lower end of the housing 11 of the stick module 10 is located on the z-axis side of the mounting surface 83. In addition, a flange protruding in the x-axis direction or y-axis direction is provided at the lower end of the housing 11 of the stick module 10, and screw holes are provided in the flange. Screw holes are provided on the back side of the frame 80 at positions corresponding to the screw holes of the flange, and screws 86 are inserted from the back side of the frame 80 so as to pass through these screw holes and fastened. This fixes the stick module 10 to the frame 80. The stick module 10 is mounted to the frame 80 such that, when not tilted, the central axis passing through the center of the shaft portion 131 is parallel to the z-axis. An operating member 40 is attached to the shaft portion 131, and the keytop 41 of the operating member 40 is exposed through the opening 9 of the housing 6.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the sheet 85 is formed to be thicker on its outer diameter side than on its inner diameter side. In other words, the sheet 85 is configured to become thicker the further it is from the operating member 40. The sheet 85 is placed on a mounting surface 83 parallel to the xy plane. When the sheet 85 is placed on the mounting surface 83, the surface of the sheet 85 is inclined by a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to a plane perpendicular to the z axis (xy plane). That is, the surface of the sheet 85 is inclined to face the shaft portion 131 parallel to the z axis.

[0087] (Operation of the operating member 40 when it is tilted) Next, the operation of each part when the operating member 40 is tilted will be explained. Figure 8 is an example of a cross-sectional end view when the controller 1 is cut by a plane parallel to the xz plane when the operating member 40 is tilted.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, for example, when a force in the negative x-axis direction is applied to the keytop 41, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 (an example of a movable member) tilt in the negative x-axis direction with respect to the central axis (a straight line parallel to the z-axis passing through the center of the shaft portion 131 when not tilted). When the operating member 40 is tilted, the shaft portion 42 of the operating member 40 approaches the periphery of the opening 9 of the housing 6. Also, when the operating member 40 is tilted, the protrusion 43 moves along a virtual sphere centered on point C in the stick module 10, and the tip of the protrusion 43 approaches the mounting surface 83 of the frame 80 and the seat 85. When the operating member 40 is tilted by a tilt angle θ (for example, 20 degrees), the operating member 40 comes into contact with the surface of the seat 85. Specifically, when the operating member 40 is tilted by a tilt angle θ, the tip of the protrusion 43 of the operating member 40 comes into contact with the seat 85 at the contact point CP on the tilting direction side. The contact point CP is part of the contact area. The contact between the tip of the projection 43 and the seat 85 limits further tilting of the operating member 40 in the negative x-axis direction. Therefore, the tilt angle θ is the maximum tilt angle. At this time, the operating member 40 does not contact the housing 6. That is, when the tip of the projection 43 and the seat 85 are in contact on the tilting direction side, the key top 41, shaft 42, and projection 43 of the operating member 40 do not contact the periphery of the opening 9 of the housing 6 on the tilting direction side. Also, when the tip of the projection 43 and the seat 85 are in contact on the tilting direction side, the projection 43 of the operating member 40 does not contact the inside of the housing 6 on the opposite side of the tilting direction (right side in Figure 8). That is, when the operating member 40 tilts in a predetermined direction, the tip of the projection 43 on the predetermined direction side moves in the z-axis direction and contacts the seat 85. At this time, the protrusion 43 on the opposite side of the predetermined direction is lifted in the negative z-axis direction and approaches the housing 6, but does not come into contact with the housing 6. Also, when the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 come into contact on the tilting direction side, the protrusion 43 of the operating member 40 does not come into contact with any other members inside the housing 6 on the opposite side of the tilting direction. Furthermore, when the operating member 40 is tilted by the maximum tilting angle θ and the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 are in contact, if a further force is applied in the tilting direction, the seat 85 may deform, and the operating member 40 may tilt slightly further from the maximum tilting angle θ.In other words, the maximum tilt angle θ can be said to be the angle at which the tilt of the operating member begins to be restricted by the sheet 85.

[0089] Furthermore, when the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 come into contact, the operating member 40 may also come into contact with the housing 6. For example, when the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 come into contact, the shaft portion 42 of the operating member 40 may come into contact with the periphery of the opening 9 of the housing 6 on the tilting direction side. Also, when the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 come into contact, the protrusion 43 may come into contact with the inside of the housing 6 on the opposite side of the tilting direction (the right side in Figure 8). Even in this case, the contact between the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 restricts further tilting of the operating member 40 in the negative x-axis direction. In other words, when the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 come into contact, even if the operating member 40 and the housing 6 (or other member) come into contact, a greater force is applied between the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85 than between the operating member 40 and the housing 6 (or other member), and the tilting of the operating member 40 is limited by the contact between the tip of the protrusion 43 and the seat 85.

[0090] The tip of the protrusion 43 is rounded, unlike the surface of the sheet 85. The rounded tip of the protrusion 43 contacts the flat sheet 85, improving operability. Alternatively, the tip of the protrusion 43 may be formed flat, and the flat tip and the sheet 85 may be in surface contact.

[0091] Furthermore, when the stick module 10, including the operating member 40, is fixed to the frame 80, the maximum tilt angle θ of the operating member 40 may be smaller than or the same as the maximum tilt angle of the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10 itself.

[0092] Next, we will explain the operation when the operating member 40 is pushed in while it is tilted. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of each part when the operating member 40 is pushed in while it is tilted.

[0093] As shown in Figure 9, for example, when the operating member 40 is tilted in the negative x-axis direction and is pushed in the direction along the shaft portion 131, the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 will attempt to move in a direction between the z-axis direction and the direction along the shaft portion 131, as explained with reference to Figure 5C. The force attempting to move in this direction is distributed at the contact point CP in the direction d1 along the surface of the sheet 85. As a result, the operating member 40 moves in direction d1 on the contact area, which is the surface of the sheet 85. Therefore, the resistance to the pushing force can be reduced, and the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 can be easily pushed down even when the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 are tilted and the protruding portion 43 is in contact with the sheet 85. When the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 are pushed down, the switch portion 161 in the stick module 10 is pressed down as described above.

[0094] If the sheet 85 is not placed on the mounting surface 83, when the operating member 40 is tilted, the operating member 40 will come into contact with the mounting surface 83 which is parallel to the xy plane. In this case, it will be more difficult to press down on the operating member 40 than when the sheet 85 is placed on it.

[0095] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of each part when the operating member 40 is pushed in with the operating member 40 tilted, when the sheet 85 is not placed on the mounting surface 83. As shown in Figure 10, when the operating member 40 is pushed in along the shaft portion 131 while tilted in the negative x-axis direction, a force is generated at the contact point CP between the tip of the protrusion 43 and the mounting surface 83 in the direction along the shaft portion 131. Since the mounting surface 83 is formed parallel to the xy plane, the tip of the protrusion 43 is difficult to slide in the direction d3 along the surface of the mounting surface 83. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting surface 83 has lower sliding properties than the sheet 85, making it even more difficult to slide than when the sheet is present. For this reason, when the sheet 85 is not placed on the mounting surface 83, the resistance to the pushing force increases, making it difficult to push in the operating member 40. Similarly, if a sheet 85 with a surface parallel to the xy plane is placed on the mounting surface 83, it becomes difficult to press down on the operating member 40.

[0096] On the other hand, when the inclined sheet 85 is placed on the mounting surface 83 as in this embodiment, the force applied to the contact point CP is distributed along the surface of the sheet 85 in a direction that includes a component in the z-axis direction, making it easier to push the operating member 40 downwards even when the operating member 40 is tilted.

[0097] The inclination angle of the sheet 85 surface with respect to the xy plane (inclination angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the shaft portion 131: α in Figure 7) may be set in the range of 20 to 70 degrees. Alternatively, the inclination angle α may be set in the range of 30 to 60 degrees. Furthermore, the inclination angle α may be set to the maximum tilt angle θ of the shaft portion 131. Also, the inclination angle α may be set to (90-θ) degrees. Furthermore, the inclination angle α may be set in the range of θ to (90 degrees-θ). Additionally, the inclination angle α of the sheet 85 surface may be set to a value smaller than the maximum tilt angle θ. For example, if the maximum tilt angle θ is 20 degrees, the inclination angle α of the sheet 85 surface may be set in the range of 10 to 20 degrees. Also, for example, if θ is in the range of 0 to 45 degrees, α may be set in the range of 45 degrees to (90-θ). Also, for example, if θ is in the range of 45 to 90 degrees, α may be set in the range of (90-θ) to 45 degrees.

[0098] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is an example of a cross-section end view of the controller 1 in the second embodiment. Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11 when the operating member 40 is tilted to the right. In the second embodiment, the frame 80 used in the first embodiment is replaced with frame 180. Also, in the second embodiment, the sheet 85 used in the first embodiment is replaced with sheet 185. Except for frame 180 and sheet 185, it is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0099] Frame 180 has an annular mounting surface 183. The shape of the mounting surface differs between frame 180 and frame 80. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the mounting surface 183 has a first mounting area 183a and a second mounting area 183b provided on the side further away from the operating member 40 than the first mounting area 183a (on the outer circumference side of the circle). The first mounting area 183a is formed to be parallel to the xy plane, and the second mounting area 183b is formed to be inclined by an inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane.

[0100] A sheet 185 is placed on the mounting surface 183. The sheet 185 is made of a material with high sliding properties and wear resistance, similar to the first embodiment. The sheet 185 is formed in a ring shape. The sheet 185 has a nearly uniform thickness and a shape that conforms to the mounting surface 183. Specifically, when placed on the mounting surface 183, the sheet 185 has an inner portion 185a corresponding to a first mounting area 183a and an outer portion 185b corresponding to a second mounting area 183b. When placed on the mounting surface 183, the inner portion 185a of the sheet 185 is parallel to the xy plane, and the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 has an inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane. That is, the surface of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 has an inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane. Adhesive is applied to the first mounting area 183a of the mounting surface 183, or adhesive sheets 186 are attached to both sides, and the inner portion 185a of the sheet 185 is bonded to the first mounting area 183a. The adhesive or adhesive sheet 186 may be provided between the second mounting area 183b and the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185. Adhesive or adhesive sheet 186 does not need to be provided between the mounting surface 183 and the sheet 185. A locking portion may be provided on the frame 180, and the sheet 185 may be locked by the locking portion. The thickness of the sheet 185 does not need to be uniform.

[0101] As shown in Figure 12, the surface of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 is inclined with respect to the xy plane so as to face the operating member 40. For example, if the maximum tilt angle θ of the operating member 40 is 20 degrees, the tilt angle α of the surface of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 may be in the range of 45 to 70 degrees. For example, in the second embodiment, the tilt angle α may be set in the range of 45 to 55 degrees.

[0102] When the operating member 40 is tilted, the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40 comes into contact with the sheet 185. Specifically, the tip of the protruding portion 43 comes into contact with the surface of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185, which has an inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane. That is, the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 has a contact area. This limits further tilting of the operating member 40. As described in the first embodiment above, when the operating member 40 is pushed in while tilted, the force is distributed in a direction along the surface of the sheet 185 (towards the operating member 40; direction d1 in Figure 12). As a result, the operating member 40 slides on the contact area and moves in the negative x-axis direction and the z-axis direction. This allows the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 to be easily pushed down even when the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 are tilted.

[0103] Furthermore, when the operating member 40 is pressed in while tilted, the tip of the protrusion 43 may be configured not to slide from the outer portion 185b to the inner portion 185a, or it may be configured to slide until it contacts the inner portion 185a. By the tip of the protrusion 43 sliding along the outer portion 185b to reach the inner portion 185a, the excess pressing force can be received by the inner portion 185a.

[0104] Thus, in the second embodiment, the mounting surface 183 (second mounting area 183b) has an inclination angle, and the sheet 185 is placed on the mounting surface 183. When the operating member 40 is tilted, the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40 contacts a contact area (part of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185) that is inclined with respect to the xy plane. This makes it possible to limit further tilting of the operating member 40 and to make it easier to push the operating member 40 when it is tilted.

[0105] As described above, the controller 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an analog stick 4, and the analog stick 4 has a movable member (operating member 40 and shaft portion 131). The movable member penetrates the opening on the front of the housing from the front toward the inside of the housing in a first direction (z-axis direction), and is configured to be pressable and tiltable with respect to the axis in the first direction. Inside the housing, there is a contact area (part of the surface of sheet 85 or 185) that contacts the movable member when it is tilted and restricts further tilting of the movable member. The contact area is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction (xy plane) so as to face the movable member side. When the movable member is tilted by a predetermined tilt angle, the tip of the movable member (the tip of the protruding portion 43) and the contact area come into contact on the tilt direction side, thereby restricting further tilting of the movable member. When the movable member is pushed in with the tip of the movable member in contact with the contact area, the tip of the movable member slides while in contact with the contact area.

[0106] This makes it easier to push in the movable member when it is tilted to its maximum tilt angle, without generating significant resistance.

[0107] In this embodiment, a sheet (85 or 185) is placed on a mounting surface (83 or 183). The mounting surface and the sheet are made of different materials, and the sheet is made of a material that has higher sliding properties and wear resistance than the mounting surface. Therefore, the sheet and the tip of the protrusion 43 are less likely to wear down. In addition, since the mounting surface (83 or 183a) is formed parallel to the xy plane, it is easy to place the sheet and less likely to shift position when attaching the sheet.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the operating member 40 is pushed downward while tilted, depending on the direction of pushing, a force may act that causes the operating member 40 to rotate in direction d2 (the direction in which the part opposite to the contact point CP is lifted) with the contact point CP as the pivot point. Even in such cases, a hole 46 is formed inside the opening 45 of the operating member 40, and the retaining portion 132 of the shaft portion 131 is inserted into the hole 46, making it difficult for the operating member 40 to come off the shaft portion 131. Specifically, since the hole 46 of the operating member 40 is formed to extend in the pushing direction and the lateral direction of the operating member 40, even if a force in direction d2 in Figure 9 is applied to the operating member 40 when it is pushed in, the retaining portion 132 that protrudes in the pushing direction and the lateral direction of the shaft portion 131 catches on the hole 46, making it difficult for the operating member 40 to come off.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stick module 10 is fixed to a frame (80 or 180) which is provided with a sheet (85 or 185) having a contact area that contacts the operating member 40. This suppresses the influence of tolerances on each component itself and during the assembly of each component. Also, in this embodiment, the stick module 10 is fastened to the back side of the frame with screws (fastening members), which prevents the protruding portion 43 from interfering with the screws when the operating member 40 is tilted. In addition, in order to bring the tip of the protruding portion 43 into contact with the contact area when the operating member 40 is tilted, it is necessary to make the protruding portion 43 larger or to position the contact area on the negative z-axis side, for example, to prevent the distance between the tip of the protruding portion 43 and the contact area when not tilted from becoming too long. However, by fixing the stick module 10 to the back side of the frame, the distance between the tip of the protruding portion 43 and the contact area when not tilted can be shortened without making the protruding portion 43 larger.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board 90 on which a switch 91 for detecting the pressing of button 2 is arranged is provided on the surface of the frame (80 or 180). Since the stick module 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 90 are attached to the frame, the effects of tolerances can be suppressed compared to when they are fixed to a separate component, and the height of the analog stick 4 and the housing 6 of button 2 from the front can be kept constant.

[0111] (modified version) Although this embodiment has been described above, various modifications may be made in other embodiments.

[0112] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the sheet (85 or 185) placed on the mounting surface (83 or 183) is merely an example, and other shapes may be used. For example, in the first embodiment, the entire surface of the sheet 85 was formed to have a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane. In the second embodiment, the sheet 185 had a substantially uniform thickness, the surface of the inner portion 185a of the sheet 185 was formed parallel to the xy plane, and the surface of the outer portion 185b of the sheet 185 was formed to have a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane. In other embodiments, for example, the surface of the inner portion of the sheet may be formed parallel to the xy plane, the surface of the outer portion of the sheet may be formed to have a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to the xy plane, and the entire back surface of the sheet may be formed parallel to the xy plane. That is, the inner portion of the sheet may have a constant thickness, and the outer portion of the sheet may be configured to become thicker as it moves away from the movable member. In this case as well, the outer portion of the sheet having the inclination angle α becomes the contact area that comes into contact with the movable member when it is tilted. Since the contact area is inclined to face the movable member, it is possible to easily push the movable member in even when the movable member is tilted.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a contact area having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portion 131 (xy plane) is formed by placing a sheet (85 or 185) on a mounting surface (83 or 183) formed on the frame (80 or 180). In other embodiments, no sheet is placed on the mounting surface, and the mounting surface itself may form a contact area that the tip of the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40 contacts. In this case, the mounting surface may be formed to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portion 131. Specifically, the mounting surface may be formed to face the shaft portion 131. In this case, the mounting surface having a predetermined inclination angle may be formed of a material with higher sliding properties and wear resistance than the material constituting the frame other than the mounting surface. For example, the mounting surface may be formed of rigid urethane foam or foamed polyethylene, and may be formed of a material with higher sliding properties and wear resistance than the housing 6 or the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40.

[0114] Furthermore, the mounting surface may be configured to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portion 131, and a flat sheet with higher sliding properties than the frame may be placed on the mounting surface. That is, a sheet with substantially constant thickness may be placed on a mounting surface having a predetermined inclination angle. The sheet may be made of a thin material such as a seal. Alternatively, the sheet may be formed by coating it with a liquid. Furthermore, the mounting surface may be configured to have a first inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portion 131, and a sheet with a second inclination angle may be placed on the mounting surface. In this case as well, the sheet may be made of a material with higher sliding properties than the frame (mounting surface).

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact area where the tip of the protrusion 43 makes contact is a flat surface, but in other embodiments, the contact area may be a curved surface. Also, the tip of the protrusion 43 may be rounded or flat.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the frame is formed from a resin material, and the flexible printed circuit board 90 is arranged on the frame. In other embodiments, the frame may be formed from any material. For example, the frame may be a circuit board, and the stick module 10 may be attached to the board. The board is provided with a sheet having a contact area that the operating member 40 contacts when tilted.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating member 40 is detachably attached to the shaft portion 131 of the stick module 10, and the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131 are configured to be tiltable as a movable member by user operation. In other embodiments, the movable member is not limited to this configuration. For example, the movable member may be formed by integrally forming the operating member 40 and the shaft portion 131. For example, an integrally formed movable member may have a protrusion 43, and when the movable member is tilted, the tip of the protrusion 43 may contact a contact area provided inside the housing 6 in the tilting direction, thereby limiting the tilting of the movable member. The movable member may be configured to be separable from the stick module that detects the tilting direction.

[0118] Furthermore, the movable member may be configured as an integral part of the stick module. For example, a shaft portion 131 may extend upward (in the negative z-axis direction) from the housing of the stick module, and an umbrella-shaped projection 43 may be provided to project downward (in the z-axis direction) and to the side from the shaft portion 131. In addition, a keytop 41 that can be touched by the user (with or without the shaft portion 42) may be provided above the projection 43, or the keytop 41 may not be provided.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating member 40 includes a key top 41, a shaft portion 42, and a protruding portion 43. The operating member 40 may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the operating member 40 may be composed of multiple members that form the key top 41, the shaft portion 42, and the protruding portion 43, respectively, combined together. Alternatively, the operating member 40 may be composed of other members combined with these multiple members.

[0120] Furthermore, the operating member 40 may be provided in any position that is accessible to the user. For example, in the above embodiment, the entire keytop 41 of the operating member 40 is exposed through the opening 8 of the housing 6 (Figure 7), but in other embodiments, a part of the keytop 41 may be exposed through the opening 8, and the other part of the keytop 41 may be inside the opening 8 or the housing 6. Also, a part of the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40 may be exposed through the opening 8. Furthermore, the entire protruding portion 43 may be exposed through the opening 8 when not tilted.

[0121] Furthermore, the shape of the movable member in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the movable member may have any shape. For example, in the above embodiment, a hole 46 is formed in the lower part 42b (insertion opening) of the shaft portion 42, and a retaining portion 132 (projection) provided on the shaft portion 131 (insertion portion) is inserted into the hole 46, making it difficult for the operating member 40 to come out of the shaft portion 131. In other embodiments, the movable member may include an operating surface (e.g., key top 41) operated by the user, a first component (e.g., shaft portion 42) having an insertion opening on the opposite side of the operating surface, and a second component (e.g., shaft portion 131) having an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion opening. In this embodiment, a projection may be provided on either the insertion portion or the insertion opening, and a hole may be provided on the other to which the projection is inserted. For example, a hole may be provided on the shaft portion 131, and a projection that engages with the hole may be provided on the lower part 42b of the shaft portion 42. In other embodiments, the lower part 42b may not be formed. In this case, the hole 46 may be provided on the inner wall of the shaft portion 42. Also, the shape of the protrusion 43 is not limited to a hemispherical shape and may be any shape. For example, the protrusion 43 may extend substantially in a straight line from the shaft portion 42 in the lateral direction and then bend downwards.

[0122] Furthermore, sensors for detecting contact or pressure may be provided on the surface or back side of the sheet (85 or 185). Alternatively, the sheet itself may be composed of such sensors.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stick module 10 is fixed to the frame (80 or 180) by screws, but the method of fixing the stick module 10 is not limited to this. For example, the stick module 10 may be fixed to the frame using solder or adhesive. Alternatively, the stick module 10 may be fixed to the surface of the frame. Moreover, the stick module 10 is not limited to the frame; for example, it may be fixed to the back surface of the housing 6.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stick module 10 is configured to be tiltable and retractable, and is attached to the frame (80 or 180) from the back side. In other embodiments, a non-retractable stick module may be attached to the frame. Specifically, the controller of the other embodiment comprises a housing having an opening, a stick module having a movable member exposed from the opening, and a frame provided inside the housing. The movable member is configured to be tiltable with respect to a predetermined axis and not retractable. The frame is provided with a contact area to which the tip of the protrusion 43 of the movable member makes contact. The contact area may be configured to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the predetermined axis, or it may be configured to be parallel to the perpendicular plane. A frame having such a contact area is provided inside the housing, and the tip of the protrusion 43 of the movable member makes contact with the contact area, thereby limiting the tilting of the movable member. Furthermore, the frame is provided with an opening through which the shaft portion 131 of the stick module passes, and the stick module is attached from the back side of the frame such that the shaft portion 131 of the stick module passes through from the back side of the frame toward the front side (i.e., from the back side of the housing toward the front side).

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating member 40 and lever 130 are pushed back by the spring 170, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the restoring force of the switch part 161 itself may be used to push back the pressing part 150, thereby pushing back the operating member 40 and lever 130.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sheet (85 or 185) having a contact area that contacts the protruding portion 43 of the operating member 40 is provided on the frame (80 or 180) on which the flexible printed circuit board 90 is arranged. In other embodiments, the contact area does not have to be provided on the frame, as long as it is formed inside the housing 6. For example, the inner surface of the housing may have a contact area. Alternatively, a member different from the frame that has a contact area may be provided inside the housing. This member may be made of a material with high sliding properties and wear resistance.

[0127] Furthermore, the above analog stick structure is not limited to controller 1, which is held by both hands of the user, but may be applied to any other controller. For example, the above analog stick may be provided on a controller that is held by one hand of the user. Also, the above analog stick structure may be applied to a controller that is placed on a predetermined surface. For example, the above analog stick structure may be applied to a controller of an arcade game machine. The analog stick provided on any controller has a movable member. The movable member is configured to be tiltable with respect to an axis in the direction from the front of the housing toward the inside, and is configured to be pushable in the direction of said axis. Inside the housing, there is provided a contact area that comes into contact with the movable member of the analog stick when it is tilted. Specifically, when the movable member is tilted, the movable member and the contact area come into contact on the side in the direction of tilt. The contact area is configured to be tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0128] Furthermore, the structure of the stick module is not limited to those described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the stick module 10 is pushed downward by rotating around the shaft portion 121 of the actuator 120 as a pivot point. The structure of the stick module 10 is not limited to this. For example, the stick module 10 may be configured such that when pushed in when not tilted, the shaft portion 131 and the actuator 120 move straight down as a whole (in the z-axis direction), and when pushed in when tilted, the shaft portion 131 and the actuator 120 also move straight down as a whole. Alternatively, the stick module 10 may be configured such that when pushed in when not tilted, the shaft portion 131 moves in a direction along the shaft portion 131, and when pushed in when tilted, the shaft portion 131 also moves in a direction along the shaft portion 131.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the analog stick 4 has a shaft portion 42 and a shaft portion 131, and the input direction is detected by the tilting of the shaft portions 42 and 131. In other embodiments, a direction input device without shaft portions 42 and 131 may be used. For example, a direction input device that can tilt by the sliding of a key top on a sliding surface that forms a tilting trajectory may be used.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described above, the above description is merely illustrative, and various improvements and modifications may be made. Furthermore, the above embodiments and their modified configurations can be combined in any way, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1 Game Controller 2 buttons 4 Analog sticks 6 Housing 10 Stick Modules 40 Operating member 41 keycaps 42 Shaft section 43 Protrusion 46 Hole 80, 180 frames 83, 183 Mounting surface 85, 185 seats 120 Actuators 130 Lever 131 Shaft 140 Slide section 150 Pressed part 161 Switch section

Claims

1. A housing having an opening on the front, The input device has a movable member that penetrates the opening in a first direction from the front side toward the inside of the housing, is pressable, and is tiltable with respect to the axis in the first direction, A contact region is provided inside the housing, which contacts the movable member when the movable member is tilted to restrict further tilting, The housing includes a frame provided inside the housing for fixing the input device, The contact area is inclined to face the movable member side with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, The input device is fixed to the back surface of the frame such that the movable member penetrates the opening in the frame. The frame has an annular recessed portion, The contact area is a controller provided within the recessed portion.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the contact area is provided on the frame or a member fixed to the frame.

3. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a wall portion extending from the inside of the housing toward the front side so as to constitute a part of the recessed portion.

4. The movable member includes an operating member which is at least partially exposed from the housing, The controller comprises a stick module provided inside the housing to which the operating member is attached, The controller according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the stick module is housed in the space on the back side of the wall.

5. The controller according to claim 3, wherein the movable member does not come into contact with the wall when the movable member is tilted.

6. The controller according to claim 3, wherein a fixing portion for fixing the input device and the frame is provided between the front end of the wall portion and the contact area in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The controller according to claim 1, wherein a printed circuit board is arranged on the front surface of the frame.

8. A button exposed from the front of the housing, The system further includes a switch that detects the pressing of the aforementioned button, The switch is provided on the printed circuit board, The controller according to claim 7, wherein the switch is positioned on the front side of the housing, below the bottom of the recess.

9. A first member having the aforementioned contact region on its surface is provided. The frame has a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed, The controller according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the mounting area is smaller than the inclination angle of the contact area with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The controller according to claim 9, wherein the mounting area is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

11. A first member having the aforementioned contact region on its surface is provided. The frame has a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed, The controller according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the first member having the contact area is thicker as it moves away from the movable member.

12. A first member having the aforementioned contact region on its surface is provided. The frame has a mounting area on its surface on which the first member is placed, The mounting area includes a first mounting area provided on the movable member side and a second mounting area provided on the side further away from the movable member than the first mounting area. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the first mounting area with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the inclination angle of the second mounting area.

13. The controller according to claim 12, wherein the first member is bonded to the frame in the first mounting area.

14. The controller according to claim 12, wherein the first mounting area is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The controller according to claim 12, wherein the first member has the contact area on the surface of the portion that is placed on the second mounting area.

16. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the input device is fastened to the back surface of the frame by a fastening member.

17. The movable member includes a first component having an operating surface operated by the user and an insertion opening on the opposite side of the operating surface, and a second component having an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion opening. The controller according to claim 1, wherein one of the insertion portion and the insertion opening is provided with a projection, and the other is provided with a hole into which the projection is inserted.

18. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the insertion port has the hole, and the hole is formed to extend in a direction away from the movable member as it moves toward the first direction.

19. The movable member has a shaft portion and a protruding portion that extends from the shaft portion. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the inside of the housing in a direction away from the shaft portion and contacts the contact area when the movable member is tilted.

20. The controller according to claim 19, wherein the protruding portion extends in a direction away from the shaft portion as it moves toward the first direction.

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